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I was there for less than 24 hours, on layover on my way home from Orlando, Florida. It was midnight when I arrived. The streets were packed with iconic yellow cabs and their drivers, ordering me to get in their taxis as well as rather creepy drunken-looking people, one of whom yelled "nice tits" as I walked past. The occasional tourist wandered past as well, but that was all.

Not a great first impression to give me, NYC.

Maybe I'd enjoy the city more if I weren't so easily stressed. It's GO GO GO! which I like sometimes, but with an anxiety disorder, that unrelentless pace can be overwhelming rather than exciting.

On the other hand... I like that the streets are numbered. I like that it's the Broadway show capital of the world. I like that famous artists, writers and bohemians hail from NYC-- Jonathan Larson, Gala Darling, Lady Gaga. I like that same-sex marriage was finally (!!) legalized just before I arrived.

Maybe holding hands with my boyfriend, wandering the streets with Starbucks in my free hand and a camera around my neck, I'll learn to love this city that I'm so desperate to adore.

I've been back in Toronto for a while now, so I've had time to mull over how my trip has revitalized + inspired me. Here's what I've found:

I have never been more comfortable with my body. Spending time with someone who really loves you (all of you) inspires a girl to see her body through her lover's eyes. He doesn't see the flaws; he's too busy admiring how gorgeous you are.

I'm more sure of myself in social situations, like conversing with people I don't know. I met my boyfriend's family for the first time. I'm incredibly shy when I meet new people, especially ones who I'm desperate to impress. Fortunately, it went well! That victory has boosted my confidence immensely.

I'm more certain of my goals and aspirations. Travelling always pulls me back to centre, makes me feel more like myself.

I'm more in love with Kamen than ever. We compliment each other perfectly. He makes me feel beautiful. We make each other happy. We're meant to last. I find this exhilarating!!

I can't wait to put these positive changes and gleeful feelings to use!! I have lots of projects in the works, which I am very excited about. How have you been, dear readers?

Since learning of Amy Winehouse's passing, I've decided to dedicate this week's Music Monday Sunday to her. She was incredibly talented + was taken far too soon. Let's remember Amy's music, not dwell on her addiction:

+ Pick your travel partner wisely. Spending an entire three weeks with my Love has been bliss (especially because we're usually long-distance). If a romantic getaway isn't your cup of tea, why not travel with a couple close friends?

+ Don't skip Disney World!! I was surprised to find that adults are just as thrilled by "the happiest place on earth" as kids are. It's entirely worth the trip, for the nostalgia of reliving your Disney-imbued childhood, although the confectioneries, shows and rides are an awesome bonus. The amusement park is also a classic romantic getaway, so you and your lover can have a great time spending a weekend on roller coasters or at a luxe resort.

+ Enjoy the sun, sand + sea!! Unfortunately, I didn't get to go to the ocean this time, but a trip to Florida is a perfect opportunity to visit the ocean. The state is unique in that it's bordered by both the Atlantic and Pacific. Plus, its beaches are world-famous!

It's absurd: Our entire lives fit in a few boxes. We spend our days desperate to be original, to defy labels, to "think outside the box". But when it all comes down to moving across the country (or even down the street), our worldly posessions, souvenirs from eras past, are dumped into soggy cardboard containers if they ever want to see the light of day again.

When we unpack, at long last, our empty rooms fill with warmth of days past. Childhood treasures are rediscovered. Things we thought had long ago been lost are held to our chests as if to imprint their sentimental on our skin.

At last I see that this has made my multiple moves in the past few years entirely worthwhile.